WILLIAMSBURG — A familiar space in Williamsburg will begin a new chapter when Saudade, a tapas and wine bar inspired by Mediterranean traditions and local Southern ingredients, opens its doors Wednesday, Jan. 28.
According to a press release, Saudade will bring a deeply personal culinary story to the community, and a new vibe and menu for one of Williamsburg’s favorite dining options — 1313 Jamestown Road.
Owned and operated by longtime restaurant professionals Greg and MeLaina Mincher, Saudade evolves from their years working at La Tienda Tapas Bar. As demand for La Tienda’s online retail business grew, the pair collaborated with the Harris Family to take over ownership of the restaurant portion in January 2020, according to the release. When the pandemic hit, they partnered with World Central Kitchen to operate a community kitchen in Williamsburg, offering pay-what-you-can meals for neighbors facing food insecurity.
Over the years, the restaurant continued to expand its role in the community through creative offerings like mocktail classes, pig roasts and special events. Now, Greg and MeLaina are stepping fully into their own vision with Saudade — pronounced “Saw-dawd” — a name drawn from a Portuguese and Galician word describing a nostalgic longing for people, places and experiences that stay with us.
That sense of memory and connection is reflected throughout the menu, according to the announcement. Saudade will feature a mix of Mediterranean and Southern influences, shaped by MeLaina’s Portuguese heritage and Greg’s background in Southern, Spanish, French and Israeli cuisines. Guests can expect an extensive cocktail and craft mocktail menu, wines from across the Mediterranean, and community-driven experiences like Sunday Suppers — family-style meals designed to bring people together.
Fans of the former tapas bar will also recognize several favorites, including patatas bravas, pan con tomate, datiles con tocino, berenjenas con miel, gambas al ajillo and seasonal paellas.
Opening Wednesday, Jan. 28, Wednesday through Saturday, Saudade will offer a grab-and-go lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with self-service seating available, and dinner service from 4-9 p.m. Sunday will feature brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a family-style Sunday Supper from 4–9 p.m.
